Roofing Material Removing Apparatus

ABSTRACT

Roofing material removing apparatus are provided. More particularly, roofing material removing apparatuses with an adjustable guide assembly wherein the adjustable guide assembly provides for continual forward motion and continuous control of the flow of roofing material are presented. The adjustable guide assembly is adaptable to various tool assemblies and applications.

FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of construction equipment andmore particularly to a pneumatic roofing material removing apparatus fordetaching various types of shingles, roofing material, or other relatedmaterial.

BACKGROUND

Several attempts have been made to automate or assist in the job ofremoving roofing material. In general apparatus are known to consist offamiliar and generally similar configurations, notwithstanding themyriad of designs. In many cases, known machines are impracticable dueto their size, shape, and weight. Further, many known machines have manymoving parts and systems that all have to work together to achieve thedesired outcome. Many machines require a start/stop process and settingup and using these machine is often time consuming. Prior art machineshave inherent control challenges with cables, cutting ends and othermoving parts. In some instances, it is difficult to control thecollection of the shingles, especially in machines where the trap mustbe continuously emptied.

Due to the problems with the current machines, a roof material removingapparatus which allows not only for continuous motion and removal ofmaterial for maximum efficiency, but also operator comfort andergonomics, is needed.

SUMMARY

Roofing material removing apparatus are provided. One embodiment iscomprised of a chassis frame, a handle assembly coupled with the chassisframe, an actuator connected with the chassis frame, a tool assemblyreversibly connected with the actuator; and an adjustable guide assemblypivotally and adjustably connected with the chassis frame. Manyembodiments also include a pair of wheels connected with the chassisframe. Vertically oriented members of the chassis frame provide mountingfor the handle assembly, wheels, guide assembly and shields/bodypanels/aesthetic pieces and decals. The actuator connects with thechassis frame and provides a power source for driving the tool assembly.In many embodiments, the actuator is a pneumatic cylinder, and has afront portion which accommodates multiple different types of toolassemblies.

In one example, the tool assembly has multiple teeth of a curved angularshape, which are substantially parallel to each other and substantiallyequally spaced apart on the toolbar. Generally in these embodiments, thefront portion of the teeth have an acute angle.

The handle assembly commonly consists of a top and bottom sectionwhereby the handle assembly generally extends from the chassis framerearward at an inclining angle and can be folded for transport andstorage.

In one aspect, the adjustable guide assembly is adjustably connectedwith the chassis frame and consists of multiple curved guide rods whichare spaced apart and parallel to each other. In this embodiment, theguide rods are pivotally and adjustably coupled with a lower and anupper pivot support member. The lower pivot support member can positioneach guide rod relative to the tool assembly both proximately andvertically below the trailing end of the tool assembly toolbar. Thelower pivot support member offers a point of rotation for the guiderods. In many configurations, the upper pivot support member positionsthe upper part of each guide rod. In this case, the upper pivot supportmember has multiple length adjustment settings, which enable the guiderods to be positioned selectively and independently fore and aft atmultiple angles for desired roofing material direction and flow. Theentire adjustable guide assembly is removable, allowing different guideassembly combinations such as curved rods, straight rods, solid sectionguide plate, rods plus solid guide plate, and the like to be installedfor optimum performance based upon the environmental conditions anddifferent materials being removed

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are shown in the drawings certain exemplary embodiments. It shouldbe understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and to the arrangements of the componentsset forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.Other embodiments and variations are within the scope of the appendedclaims. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of an embodiment in use on a pitched roof.

FIG. 2 is a partial side view demonstrating the motion of the toolassembly.

FIG. 3 demonstrates a partial side view of an embodiment in use.

FIG. 4 is partial front view of an embodiment in use.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view.

FIG. 6 is a top view.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the components of one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an isolated view of an embodiment with the handle assemblyfolded.

FIG. 9 shows a partial side view of potential multiple adjustable guideassembly positions.

FIG. 10 is an isolated view of a handle assembly.

FIG. 11 is an isolated view of an alternative embodiment of the handleassembly.

FIG. 12 is an isolated view of a tool assembly.

FIG. 13 is an isolated view of an alternative embodiment of the toolassembly.

FIG. 14 is an isolated view of guide rods.

FIG. 15 is an isolated view of alternative embodiments of the adjustableguide assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIGS. 1through 15 thereof, an embodiment of the roofing material removingapparatus generally designated by the reference number 10 will bedescribed.

One embodiment is comprised of a chassis frame 12, an actuator 26, ahandle assembly 18, a tool assembly 38, an adjustable guide assembly 22,and a pair of wheels 20. The chassis frame 12, having two structural,vertically orientated members 14 which are connected to each other by across-beam support 16. The vertical members 14 of the chassis frame 12also provide mounting for the handle assembly 18, wheels 20, adjustableguide assembly 22 and any shields/body panels/aesthetic pieces/decals24. The wheels 20 attach to the lower rear, outboard portion of thechassis frame vertical members 14. Alternatively, skid plates or othermeans of enabling motion across a roof could be used in place of thewheels 20 shown in the embodiment demonstrated by FIG. 7.

The actuator 26 provides a power source for the tool assembly 38, andcould be in the form of an electric motor, small engine, manualmechanism or pneumatic cylinder. Another alternate power source could bepowered wheels 20 to drive and engage the tool assembly 38. The actuator26, shown as a pneumatic cylinder, mounts to the chassis framecross-beam support 16, which connect the vertical members 14. When theactuator 26 is a pneumatic cylinder, the pneumatic cylinder 26 has afront portion 28 which accommodates multiple tool assemblies. Thepneumatic cylinder 26 has a rear portion 34 and has an air supply hose36 extending outward therefrom.

The tool assembly 38 has a shaft 32 at the rear end which inserts and iscaptured by the front portion 28 of the pneumatic cylinder 26. The frontend of the shaft 32, connects and attaches to a toolbar 40 whichpositions and secures tool assembly engaging teeth 42. In oneembodiment, the tool assembly engaging teeth 42, are a curved angularshape 44, are parallel to each other, and are equally spaced apart 46(approximately 3″ apart) on the toolbar, with the front portion of thetool assembly engaging teeth 42 having an acute angle 48. Depending onenvironmental conditions and material, the spacing of the teeth could bereduced, i.e. more teeth per inch, or increased, i.e. less teeth perinch to optimize performance. The shape of the teeth could also vary.Optimal performance teeth shape and pattern examples may include, butare not limited to, a “V” shaped teeth pattern, longer teeth, i.e. teethwith a smaller angle, shorter teeth, i.e. teeth with a steeper angle,and the like. The skilled artisan will be able to choose the appropriatespacing and shape of the teeth without undue experimentation.

The adjustable guide assembly 22 connects to the chassis frame 12 and iscomprised of guide rods 50 which are spaced apart 52 and parallel toeach other. In many embodiments, the guide rods 50 are pivotally 54 andadjustably 56 coupled to a lower 58 and upper 60 pivot support members.The lower pivot support member 58 positions a lower portion 62 of theguide rod 50 relative to the tool assembly 38 proximately and verticallybelow a trailing end 41 of the tool assembly and offers the point ofrotation 54 for the guide rods 50. The upper pivot support member 60positions the upper end 68 of the guide rods and has multiple lengthadjustment settings 70 enabling the guide rods to be positionedselectively and independently fore 70 and aft 72 at multiple angles forthe desired material direction and flow. The lower pivot support member58 couples to the lower, front portion 74 of the chassis frame 12vertical members 14. The upper pivot support member 60 adjustably 56couples to the chassis frame 12 vertical members 14. The lower portion62 of the guide rod 50 are positioned vertically just above the toolbar46, laterally in-between the teeth 76 and within the fore/aft sideprofile of the tool assembly engaging teeth 42 and toolbar motion 120 somaterial doesn't get caught on them and stop movement. The entireadjustable guide assembly 22 is removable, allowing different guideassembly combinations to be installed depending upon environmentalconditions and different materials being removed. Optimal performingguide assembly combination examples may include curved rods, straightrods, solid section guide plate, rods plus solid guide plate, and thelike.

The handle assembly 18 is comprised of a top section 78 and a bottomsection 80, which extends from the chassis frame 12 rearward at aninclining angle. The bottom section of the handle assembly 80 ispivotally 82 and adjustably 56 coupled to the chassis frame 12 verticalmembers 14. The top section of the handle assembly 78 is pivotallycoupled 82 to the bottom section handle assembly 80. The handle assembly18 provides mounting and positive routing points 86 for the air supplyhose 36 which connects to the rear portion 34 of the pneumatic cylinder26, mounting points for an operation control valve assembly 88 at theupper end of the top section of the handle assembly 78, and an ergonomicheight and shape to reduce fatigue on an operator. The operation controlvalve assembly 88 offers a lever 90 extending inwardly from theoperation control valve assembly 88, parallel to lateral top section ofthe handle assembly 78, such lever 90, which can be depressed by theoperator's hand to activate and enable air to flow to the pneumaticcylinder 26, making it operational. The operation control valve assembly88 offers a connection point for the air supply 92 at the rear portionof the valve. In many embodiments, the air supply 92 is an aircompressor.

The operation of the roofing material removing apparatus begins firstwith an operator grabbing the top handle section 78 and engaging thecontrol valve assembly lever 90 which opens the valve and sendscompressed air to the pneumatic cylinder 26. Said compressed air causesa piston with within the pneumatic cylinder 26 to rapidly move back andforth 120, engaging the shaft 32 of the tool assembly 38. The toolassembly 38 as a result extends and retracts back and forth 120. Theapparatus 10 is maneuvered and positioned as desired to engage the toolassembly teeth 42 underneath the shingles or desired material 98 forremoval. The roofing material removing apparatus can operate in anydirection to remove material (vertically, horizontally, diagonally orother path), but in many embodiments a vertical motion starting at theroof peak and working down the roof is most advantageous.

Once the roofing material removing apparatus is in a desired operatingposition, the leading teeth 42 of the tool assembly 38 engage and comein contact with shingles and roofing material 96. The teeth's inclined,acute curved shape 44 and penetrating toolbar motion 120 thrust betweenthe shingles/roofing material 96 and parent material 98 (typicallyplywood 100), causing shingles, nails, and roofing material to be liftedup, separating from the parent material 98. As the apparatus continuesacross the roof, the shingles 96 and nails progress up the teeth 42,disengaging fully from the parent material 98, allowing the teeth tocontinue their motion and contact the guide assembly rods 50 whichdirect the material upward and forward in the desired path, eventuallyturning over in front of the roofing material removing apparatus(shingles upside down with nails facing up), finding their way to theedge of the roof or where directed. The position of the adjustable guideassembly 22 can be adjusted fore 70 and aft 72 to get the most desiredpositioning to remove material. A steeper angle, as illustrated with theguide rods 50 in the forward position 70, may be more desired formaterial like wood shingles, which turn over easily. Shingles with nailsfacing up slide easier down the roof, as the nails are less likely tocatch, aiding the removal of material and overall performance.

Additionally, the chassis frame 12 and pneumatic cylinder 26 aredisposed relative above the tool assembly engaging teeth 42 to giveheight and clearance 110 for nails still fixed to the parent material98, or shingles 96 still fixed to the parent material 98, or loosennails 112 or the like; to freely pass underneath the chassis withoutdisrupting the performance of the tool assembly 38 and overallperformance of the apparatus 10. Furthermore, the roofing materialremoving apparatus can be pivoted about the wheels 20 to lift shingles96 or other material over desired roof edges or bumps or buildups,giving it further versatility.

Once operation has ceased, the roofing material removing apparatus hasthe ability to fold 114 the top section of the handle assembly 78. byloosening knobs 116 to maximize moving and transporting the apparatus ina compact, efficient manner. In many embodiments, the top section of thehandle assembly 78 will be folded forward.

In one embodiment, the roofing material removing apparatus providescontinual forward motion and flow of roofing material, therebycontrolling the roofing material and keeping it in front of theapparatus. In many embodiments, the roofing material removing apparatusis comprised of a minimum number of moving parts and highly engineeredfor (a) maximum performance, (b) ease of construction/assembly, (c)ergonomics, (d) durability, and (e) ease of service.

In certain embodiments, the roofing material removing apparatus is madelight in weight, easy to control, and easy to maneuver. In theseembodiments, the roofing material removing apparatus is often commonlyportable, adjustable, and easy to transport.

In exemplary embodiments, the tool assembly is optimized to engage formaximum effectiveness and shingle removal speed. Use of tool assemblieswhich differ from those shown in the embodiments in the figures arecontemplated.

An alternative embodiment of the handle assembly is a fixed handle 118as shown in FIG. 11. Yet another alternative embodiment of the handleassembly is a “T” handle 128 as shown in FIG. 11. Additionally, anotheralternative of the handle assembly is to integrate the handle with thechassis frame and combinations thereof.

An alternative embodiment of the tool assembly as shown in FIG. 13 is atool assembly 126 comprised of three teeth and equally spaced foroptimized performance based on material removing and conditions. Inother embodiments, the teeth of the tool assembly 126 will not beequally spaced. Further alternative embodiments of the tool assembly areincreases or decreasing the number teeth, thus decreasing or increasingthe space between each tooth. Other alternative embodiments include thetool assembly in the shape of the toolbar with teeth (v-shaped fore/aft,v-shaped vertically, curved, and the like). Yet another alternativeembodiment of the tool assembly is a one piece, instead of a multiplepiece assembly. Additionally, a further alternative embodiment is theshape of the shaft thereof (round, triangle, square, and so forth).Further alternative embodiments of the tool assembly include varyingmaterials manufacturing and heat treating processes to achieve desiredperformance.

An alternative embodiment of the guide rods is a solid guide plate 122or combination rod and plate 124 as shown in FIG. 15. Other alternativeembodiments of the guide rods include alternative shapes such asstraight, oval, elliptical, and so forth. Additionally, in anotheralternative embodiment, the guide rods comprise guide bars instead ofrods. Furthermore, the guide rods can be configured to have adjustablewidths and be individually replaceable for service.

An alternative embodiment of the guide assembly is a rigid,non-adjustable guide assembly. Additionally, another alternativeembodiment is to integrate the guide assembly with the chassis frame andcombinations thereof.

Alternative embodiments of the wheels incorporate suspended wheels,which offer a range of motion. Additionally, another alternativeembodiment of the wheels comprises powered wheels which turn and assistin moving the apparatus in desired motion.

An alternative embodiment of the actuator is to integrate it into thechassis frame (one-piece assembly) and combinations thereof.

1. A roofing material removing apparatus for detaching and removingvarious types of roofing material comprising: a chassis frame; a handleassembly coupled with the chassis frame; an actuator connected with thechassis frame; a tool assembly reversibly connected with the actuator;and an adjustable guide assembly pivotally and adjustably connected withthe chassis frame.
 2. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the adjustableguide assembly has one or more adjustable guide rods.
 3. The apparatusin claim 2 wherein the adjustable guide rods are curved in shape,substantially parallel to each other, and spaced apart from each other.4. The apparatus in claim 2 wherein the guide rods are pivotally andadjustably coupled with at least one support member, whereby the atleast one support member supports and variably positions the guide rodsrelative to the tool assembly.
 5. The apparatus in claim 4 furthercomprising at least two support members, wherein the at least twosupport members comprise a lower pivot support member coupled with thechassis frame and an upper pivot support member adjustably coupled withthe chassis frame.
 6. The apparatus in claim 5 wherein the upper pivotsupport member comprises multiple adjustment settings, whereby theadjustment settings enable each guide rod to be positioned selectivelyand independently fore and aft in multiple angles.
 7. The apparatus inclaim 5 wherein the lower pivot support member positions a lower end ofeach guide rod proximately and vertically below a trailing end of thetool assembly.
 8. The apparatus in claim 5 wherein the guide rods areremovable.
 9. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the handle assembly ispivotally and adjustably coupled with the chassis frame.
 10. Theapparatus in claim 1 wherein the handle assembly comprises a bottomsection and top section, and further wherein the handle assembly isfoldable.
 11. The apparatus in claim 1 further comprising a controlvalve coupled with the handle assembly.
 12. The apparatus in claim 1wherein the tool assembly comprises a toolbar coupled with a shaft thatinterfaces with the actuator, wherein the toolbar comprises teeth. 13.The apparatus in claim 12 wherein the teeth are a curved angular shape,substantially parallel to each other, and substantially equally spacedapart on the toolbar, further wherein a front portion of the teeth havean acute angle.
 14. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the actuator is apneumatic cylinder.
 15. The apparatus in claim 14 wherein the pneumaticcylinder is removable.
 16. The apparatus in claim 1 further comprisingat least one wheel is coupled with the chassis frame.
 17. A roofingmaterial removing apparatus for detaching and removing various types ofroofing material comprising: a chassis frame; a handle assembly coupledwith the chassis frame; an actuator connected with the chassis frame; atool assembly reversibly connected with the actuator; and an adjustableguide assembly pivotally and adjustably connected with the chassisframe, wherein the adjustable guide assembly has at least one adjustableguide rod.
 18. The apparatus in claim 17 wherein each adjustable guiderod is adapted to be positioned selectively and independently fore andaft in multiple angles.
 19. The apparatus in claim 17 wherein a lowerend of each adjustable guide rod is disposed proximately and verticallybelow a trailing end of the tool assembly.
 20. The apparatus in claim 17wherein the adjustable guide rods are removable.